
Making liquid soap from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience. You can create a variety of scents and colors to customize your soap.
To start, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including distilled water, a soap base, and a fragrance oil.
Distilled water is essential for making liquid soap as it helps to create a smooth and consistent texture.
A soap base is the foundation of your liquid soap and can be made from natural ingredients like coconut oil and olive oil.
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Introduction
Making liquid soap can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. You can create a variety of scents and colors to suit your preferences.
Liquid soap is made from a combination of oils, fats, and lye, also known as sodium hydroxide. This process is called saponification.
The ratio of oils to lye is crucial in liquid soap making, as it determines the soap's quality and safety. A safe ratio is typically 30% lye to 70% oils.
With practice, you can create a wide range of liquid soap types, from gentle and moisturizing to rich and luxurious.
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Materials
To make liquid soap, you'll need the right materials. Here are the essentials:
Sunflower oil is a key ingredient, and you'll need 16 1/2 ounces of it. Coconut oil is also a must, with 7 ounces required.
Potassium hydroxide, or KOH, is a crucial component, and you'll need 5 1/2 ounces of it. You'll also need 16 1/2 ounces of distilled water for the lye mixture.
Distilled water is used to dilute the soap paste, and you'll need 40 ounces of it. Bicarbonate can be used as a substitute for boric acid, but you'll need to mix it with water first.
Fragrance or essential oil is optional, but you can use up to 3 ounces of it if you want to give your soap a scent. You may also want to add soap dye or colorant to give your soap a specific color.
Here's a summary of the materials you'll need:
- Sunflower oil: 16 1/2 ounces
- Coconut oil: 7 ounces
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH): 5 1/2 ounces
- Distilled water (for lye mixture): 16 1/2 ounces
- Distilled water (for diluting soap paste): 40 ounces
- Boric acid (or bicarbonate mixed with water): 2 ounces
- Fragrance or essential oil: 3 ounces (optional)
- Soap dye or colorant: (optional)
Recipe and Process
To make liquid soap, you'll need a few basic ingredients and some specialized equipment. The Soapee Calculator can help you get started.
You'll need a small slow cooker, kitchen scale, stick blender, goggles, soapmaking gloves, quart jar, silicone spoons, and a stainless steel potato masher. These tools will help you mix, heat, and blend your ingredients safely and effectively.
To create your liquid soap, you can use one of two recipes, or you can experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique blend. Always remember to ventilate your work area well, cover your workspace with newspaper, and put on your gloves and goggles before starting.
The Recipe
To make liquid soap, you'll need a small slow cooker and a kitchen scale to accurately measure your ingredients. You can also use a stick blender to mix everything together.
The Soapee Calculator can be a helpful tool in creating new liquid soap recipes. You can also use your imagination to come up with unique combinations of ingredients.
To start making liquid soap, you'll need to gather some basic equipment. Here's a list of what you'll need:
- small slow cooker
- kitchen scale
- stick blender
- goggles
- soapmaking gloves
- quart jar
- silicone spoons
- stainless steel potato masher
To make a simple liquid hand soap, you'll need a natural soap base like Castile soap. You can then dilute it with distilled water and add glycerin for extra hydration.

To give your hand soap a pleasant fragrance, you can add your favorite essential oils. And to make it easy to use, pour it into a pump dispenser.
You can also make liquid soap from a bar of soap by grating and melting it in water. Adding glycerin will give it a smoother texture.
Process
To make liquid soap, you'll need to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective clothing, gloves, and safety goggles to protect yourself from any splashes of lye.
The first step is to mix the distilled water and lye (potassium hydroxide) in a glass or stainless bowl. It's essential to add the lye to the water, never the other way around, and stir gently until the lye is completely dissolved.
This mixture will become very hot, so let it cool to about 60°C before proceeding. You can also work in the kitchen with the exhaust fan on to immediately filter out any harmful fumes.
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To melt the fats and oils, use a pan over low heat until they are fully liquid. Let the mixture cool to around 60°C, which is the same as the temperature of the lye solution.
Once the lye solution and melted oils have cooled, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils while constantly stirring. Use a stick blender to mix the solution until it reaches a pudding-like consistency, also known as the "trace" stage.
Here's a rough guide to the process:
The mixture will start to take shape soon, and after about 2 hours, it will look kind of translucent like petroleum jelly. By this point, it is harder to work with – heavy and sticky.
Instructions for Making Hot Process Hand Cream
To make hot process hand cream, you'll need to prepare your workspace with safety gear and a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from potential splashes or spills.

Measure your oils carefully using a digital scale, combining them in a crockpot to heat them to 165 degrees. You can also melt the oils before putting them in the crockpot if you want to speed up the process.
Prepare the lye solution in a well-ventilated area, carefully adding the potassium hydroxide to distilled water and stirring until dissolved. Be cautious, as this solution will become very hot, and allow it to cool to around 160°F (71°C).
Combine the oils and lye solution when both are around 165°F (73°C), pouring the lye solution into the crockpot with the oils and mixing with an immersion blender. Add in the glycerin and mix until the soap batter thickens up and becomes thick like instant mashed potatoes.
Here's a rough guide to the stages of the mixture as it cooks:
Check for doneness by performing a clarity test: dissolve a little soap paste in hot water, and if the water remains clear, your soap paste is done.
Lye and Water
You'll need to use a significant amount of water when making liquid soap, as it's about three times as much as the weight of the potassium hydroxide amount.
Using the right ratio of water to lye is crucial to achieve the desired consistency and texture in your liquid soap.
Necessary Lye Type:
For liquid soap, you'll need potassium hydroxide (KOH) instead of sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Bar soap hardens because it contains sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the agent that turns oils into soap.
The purity level of potassium hydroxide can vary, but my recipes are based on 90% purity, which is a commonly available type.
If you have a different purity listed on your bottle, you can input your recipe at Soapee and change the lye purity number in the first box, after selecting "Liquid Soap – using KOH".
Dilution
Dilution is a crucial step in making liquid soap. You'll need to dilute the soap paste with water and/or glycerin to achieve the best results.
To dilute the soap paste, start by heating 60 ounces of water until hot, but not boiling. It's essential to measure the water by weight, not volume, to get the right amount.
You can add liquid vegetable glycerin to the heated water and mix well before adding it to the soap paste. This will help to create a smooth and luxurious liquid soap.
If you're new to making liquid soap, you might be wondering what to do with the chunky stuff that remains after dilution. Don't worry, it's easy to fix – just add a bit more water and let it sit overnight. By morning, the chunky stuff should be fully diluted, and you'll have a smooth liquid soap.
Here's a quick rundown of the dilution process:
- Heat 60 ounces of water until hot, but not boiling.
- Add liquid vegetable glycerin and mix well.
- Add the mixture to the soap paste and stir until combined.
- Leave the mixture to sit for a few hours or overnight, then stir and let it settle for an hour or so.
- Strain the soap and transfer it to jars, adding essential oils and colorants as desired.
Oils and Additives
When making liquid soap, you can customize the texture and cleansing properties by adding various oils and additives. For a luxurious lather, try adding 10-20% of a rich oil like coconut oil or olive oil to your soap recipe.
Adding a small amount of glycerin can help retain moisture in the skin, making it an excellent choice for soap makers who want to create a gentle and nourishing soap.
Some additives, like essential oils, can also provide a pleasant fragrance and potential skin benefits, but be sure to use them in moderation and follow proper safety guidelines to avoid skin irritation.
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Oils Act Differently in Cleansers
Using more olive oil in a recipe makes for a thicker soap, while using more coconut oil makes for a thinner soap.
In liquid soap, oils behave differently than in bar soap. Keep this in mind when creating your own recipes.
Olive oil is a popular choice for soap making, but it can make the soap thicker if used in excess.
Coconut oil, on the other hand, produces a thinner soap when used in larger quantities.
Experimenting with different oil ratios can help you achieve the desired consistency in your soap creations.
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Adding Vegetable Glycerin
Adding Vegetable Glycerin to Liquid Soap Recipes is a Game Changer.
Adding vegetable glycerin to liquid soap recipes is optional but it offers several benefits, including enhancing the moisturizing properties of the soap, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Glycerin is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple. It also improves the lather and overall texture of the soap, making it more enjoyable to use.
Incorporating vegetable glycerin into liquid soap recipes can elevate the quality of the soap, making it a more nourishing and luxurious product for everyday use.
One thing to keep in mind is that glycerin speeds up the process when making liquid soap, which means less mixing is required.
Here are some benefits of using vegetable glycerin in liquid soap:
- Enhances moisturizing properties
- Improves lather and texture
- Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Speeds up the soap-making process
Remember to dilute the finished soap paste with only water or a combination of glycerine and water to ensure the longest shelf life, as diluting with herbal teas or milk can cause the soap to spoil more easily.
Olive Oil Benefits
Olive oil is a favorite among soap makers due to its ability to moisturize.
Its gentle cleaning properties make it suitable for sensitive skin.
Olive oil has been a staple ingredient for centuries.
Its versatility in recipes is another reason it's so popular among soap makers.
Melting Regular
Melting regular soap is a straightforward process that requires some basic equipment and attention to detail. You can melt regular soap by using a pan and distilled water over low heat.
To ensure a smooth melting process, it's essential to use a pan and distilled water. This helps prevent any impurities or minerals from affecting the final product.
You can melt regular soap to create liquid soap, and adding glycerin will give it a smoother texture. This is especially useful if you're looking to create a more luxurious soap experience.
Here's a brief overview of the melting process:
- Grate the soap into small pieces.
- Melt the grated soap in a pan with distilled water.
- Add glycerin to thicken the soap.
Remember to always use caution when working with heat and liquids to avoid any accidents or messes.
Calendula & Coconut
Calendula & Coconut is a lovely combination in soap making. The pretty yellow color of this soap is naturally obtained by using calendula flower–infused coconut oil in the recipe.
You can blend a touch of coconut milk powder in the oils for extra nourishment and label appeal, but be careful not to use too much because the long cook time can darken or scorch fresh milk.
Using small amounts of milk powders is recommended when making liquid soap, as it helps prevent spoilage.
The recipe for Calendula & Coconut Liquid Soap yields 60 ounces (1.7 kg) of diluted soap, which can be broken down into the following ingredients:
- 13.75 oz (390 g) distilled water
- 4.63 oz (131 g) potassium hydroxide (3% superfat)
- 8 oz (227 g) calendula-infused coconut oil (40%)
- 3 oz (85 g) castor oil (15%)
- 9 oz (255 g) high oleic sunflower oil (45%)
- 1/2 tsp coconut milk powder
- Up to 6 oz (170g) vegetable glycerine, for dilution (or more distilled water)
- Up to 24 oz (680 g) distilled water, for dilution
- Equal amounts of orange and grapefruit essential oils
Equipment & Tools
Liquid soap making requires some specialized equipment, but don't worry, it's not as daunting as it sounds! You'll need a slow cooker, which can be as small as 6 quarts, to heat and mix the soap.
A digital scale is essential for measuring the ingredients accurately, so make sure you have one handy. It's also a good idea to have heat-resistant mixing utensils on hand to avoid any accidents.
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An immersion blender will come in handy for mixing and blending the soap, while a digital kitchen thermometer will help you monitor the temperature. Safety gear, such as gloves, goggles, and long sleeves, is a must-have to protect yourself from any potential splashes or spills.
Here are the essential equipment and tools you'll need for liquid soap making:
- Slow cooker (at least 6 quarts)
- Digital scale
- Heat-resistant mixing utensils
- Immersion blender
- Digital kitchen thermometer
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, long sleeves)
Tips and Variations
My way is not the only way to make liquid soap, and that's a good thing - it means you can experiment and find the method that works best for you.
You can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, such as adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a unique scent.
My method uses a specific combination of ingredients, but feel free to try different ratios or ingredients to create a soap that suits your skin type.
My Way Isn't the Only Way:
My way isn't the only way to make liquid soap. There are several options to choose from, and I'm not suggesting mine is the best.

You can make liquid soap from a bar of soap by grating and melting it in water. This is a great way to reuse and recycle existing soap.
Adding glycerin to the melted soap will give it a smoother texture. This is a simple trick that can make a big difference in the final product.
Keep in mind that my method is just one of many, and you're free to experiment and find your own favorite way to make liquid soap.
Making for Beginners
Making liquid soap can be a fun and straightforward process, even for beginners. You can start with an already saponified soap base, which makes it easier to work with.
To make liquid soap, you'll need the following ingredients: soap base, distilled water, essential oils, glycerin, and optional dyes and nourishing additives like vitamin E. You can use a natural soap base like Castile soap.
Cut the solid soap into small pieces and place them in a pan with distilled water. Heat the mixture on low heat until the soap is completely melted. This will help to create a smooth and consistent liquid soap.

Adding glycerin to the mixture will help to thicken the soap and provide a moisturising effect. Glycerin is a key ingredient in making liquid soap, and it's essential for creating a soap that's gentle on the skin.
Here's a quick rundown of the basic steps:
Remember to store your homemade liquid soap in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality and fragrance longer. With these simple steps, you can create your own liquid soap that's perfect for everyday use.
Tips and Variations
Superfatting is a technique used to make soap more moisturizing, but it's not as straightforward in liquid soap recipes.
Liquid soap typically requires a lower superfat, usually no higher than 3%, to avoid an oily layer.
You can superfat liquid soap, but it's best to keep it to 2% or less to prevent separation or cloudiness.
The high water content in liquid soap recipes can make superfatting tricky, so it's essential to focus on using the right balance of oils and additives.
Specific Recipes
To get started with liquid soap making, you can try out two simple recipes found online. If you're looking for inspiration, you can also check out a recipe for Dandelion & Honey Liquid Soap already published on the site.
You'll need a small slow cooker to make liquid soap, as well as a kitchen scale to measure out the ingredients accurately. A stick blender is also a must-have for mixing the soap batter.
Safety first! Make sure to wear goggles and soapmaking gloves to protect yourself from splashes and spills. You'll also need a quart jar to store your finished liquid soap.
Here are the basic ingredients and equipment you'll need for liquid soap making:
- small slow cooker
- kitchen scale
- stick blender
- goggles
- soapmaking gloves
- quart jar
- silicone spoons
- stainless steel potato masher
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ingredient for liquid soap?
The main ingredient for making liquid soap is potassium hydroxide (KOH), a caustic substance that converts skin-loving oils and butters into soap. Combining KOH with carrier oils and cosmetic butters creates a liquid soap base.
Is liquid soap business profitable?
Yes, liquid soap making can be a profitable business, but success depends on creating high-quality, unique products that stand out from the crowd. With the right approach, it's possible to generate substantial profits in this industry.
How to make liquid soap with 3 ingredient?
To make liquid soap with just 3 ingredients, mix 2 Tablespoons of Castille soap with water and add a few drops of essential oil. Fill a bottle with this mixture and you're ready to use a simple and effective liquid soap.
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